By Nokai Origin, Abuja
The Government has resumed mass trial of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.
A statement by the Head Strategic Communication, Counter Terrorism Centre NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, Abu Michael said more than 300 suspects are on trial with 5 reputable judges manning the 5 courts and Chambers. They are set up for speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.
This move according to the statement is in pursuance of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching transparent administrative system,
The ongoing trial which is in line with the International Criminal Justice system is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA).
The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON). And before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
The statement further said; “Between 2017 and 2018, the trials resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and 5 acquittals. Suspects deemed innocent are being deradicalized, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are ongoing.”
The NCTC-ONSA said “it is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
